Nice boat profit!!
I would think a lot of manufacturers would be more than willing to make freebie donations for contests,
It's great advertising not to mention it's probably the cheapest form of advertising too and the outcome doesn't get any better, I mean,
who bashes something they Won for free in a contest?
Sounds like some real positive word of mouth advertising to me and word of mouth is the best there is...

The knife idea sounds like a fun way to utilize free time, I've been thinking about buying some supplies to give the knife making a try myself, maybe a couple kits to start with.,
the only problem for me is I have no artistic abilities at all and my patience isnt as good as it used to be when attention to detail becomes necessary.

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Democracy is two wolves and a lamb voting on what to have for lunch.
Liberty is a well-armed lamb contesting the outcome of the vote.
-Benjamin Franklin